I leave her apartment with her smile burned into my memory and a date to plan that will sweep her off her feet.
20
GRAYSON
The sun is barely above the horizon, but I’ve already been at work for hours. It’s cooler today, so I’m making the most of the weather before Tanner drags me into the office. I’m training a horse that Wyatt picked up at an auction because he, and I quote, “felt bad for the guy,” in hopes that it gives me something else to think about this afternoon besides my date with Avery.
Wyatt sits on the training paddock fence, chewing a toothpick. He mutters to Kade and Reed—probably about how I got out here before he could to break in the horse, how I’m still not letting up—as they stand on either side of him, leaning on the fence.
Whenever we break in a new horse, they’re all here, ready to give their two cents on how it should be done. They’re like three bossy old men who think they know better and seem to forget that I’ve been doing this much longer than all of them.
I can already tell that Wyatt overpaid for this horse, but he’s here now, and we don’t turn away animals, no matter how much it might cost us to keep them. Especially when they have an inkling of potential, which, if this guy handles how I think he will, we’ll have some work for him.
The horse shifts under me, nerves vibrating through every inch of his body. Instinctively, I tighten my grip on the reins before forcing myself to relax, knowing full well he can feel my tension just like I can feel his.
Keeping my voice low and even, I rub my palm over his neck. “Easy, boy.”
When I’m as certain as I can be that he won’t throw me off, I give a gentle nudge with my heels, and the horse takes a few uncertain steps forward. I’m watching him, checking for any signs that he could do something unexpected. It wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened, that’s for sure.
As I’m guiding the horse around the paddock, Wyatt takes the opportunity to ask the question I know he’s been dying to get the answer to all morning. “So.” He draws the word out, barely containing his grin. “You and Ave, huh?”
The mention of her and the way her name rolls casually off his tongue hits me like a boot to the gut. I don’t answer right away; instead, I keep my focus on the horse. Distractions lead to disaster. The horse veers slightly to the right before I catch him, and with a light tug on the reins, I put him back on track. He snorts, jerking his head.
“It’s just lunch.” I shrug.
I don’t even know how long Avery is planning to stay in town for. That’s a conversation we’re yet to have. But there’s nothing stopping us from spending time getting to know each other again.
“‘Just lunch’? With the woman you’ve been hung up on since high school? The same one who you’ve been waiting for all these years?”
Pulling the horse to a stop in front of them, I look at Wyatt, and then Reed, and finally Kade. I sigh, patting the horse’s neck, knowing full well that it’s not just lunch. Whatever happens on this date could be the start of a new chapter in my life.
For the first time in twelve years, I allow myself to think about Avery. About everything I’ve ever wanted and how it’s always led right back to her. I picture her barefoot in the kitchen, her blonde hair tousled from sleep as she smiles at me over a cup of coffee. Or watching her from backstage as she plays to thousands of fans. The image vanishes before I can capture it. Maybe it’s my subconscious warning me that even though she’s within touching distance, I don’t really have her.
Shaking my head, I sit taller in the saddle and reply, “It’s complicated, so for now, yes, it’s just lunch.”
“It’s always going to be complicated, Gray. At least until you tell her how you feel and what you will and won’t tolerate,” Kade says, his face serious. “We all love Ave, but we didn’t like what her leaving all those years ago did to you.”
Reed moves the toothpick in his mouth from one side to the other. “I’m not going to pretend like I know what’s best for you—only you and Avery know that—but Kade might be onto something. You need to figure that shit out now before you get too far down the line.”
They’re right, of course. I was broken when Avery left for Nashville, but she’s back now—at least for a little while—and we’re older and wiser. There’s nothing stopping us from enjoying each other’s company, especially if we both know what the outcome will be this time.
21
AVERY
I’m sitting in an armchair, looking out of the window of my living room at Main Street, my mind still reeling from the events of yesterday. Grayson Wilde asked me out. I roll my lips together to keep from grinning like a fool before remembering I’m the only one here and letting it split my face in two.
I catch my reflection in the glass, barely recognizing the woman in front of me. She looks happy and carefree, something I haven’t been in such a long time. After years of grind to get my career where it is, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be so free. To not have the constant pressure of what my next move should be or if it’s the right one. I never expected that following my dream would be this… draining.
Instinctively, I look at the guitar propped up in the corner, a flicker of a melody begging for me to pick it up. I go back and forth in my mind as to whether I should. If I do and nothing comes to me, I’ll just feel sad.
But what if I don’t and I lose the song?
With my mind made up, I push out of the armchair, my body stiff and achy from moving my things in yesterday.
I’ll feel even worse tomorrow after horseback riding with Gray.
That’ll be worth it. Although, I’ve never been more grateful to have a bathtub to soak my aching body in. I make a mental note to pop to the store later and pick up some bath salts.
